Lahaina Scene

‘The Emperor’s New Clothes opens Friday’

October 14, 2010

KIHEI — ProArts will present “The Emperor’s New Clothes” as the premier production of its fall season of family friendly shows at the newly re-opened ProArts Playhouse in Kihei.

Freely adapted by Jonathan Lehman from the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, the play tells the story of the vain Emperor of Boondoggle, who squanders his kingdom’s money on extravagant clothes.

It’s up to two sly swindlers, aided and abetted by the emperor’s chief of staff, to teach him a valuable lesson.

The pompous prime minister and ditzy Princess Marigold are along for the ride in this fractured fairy tale brought to life with music, merriment and lots of audience participation.

“The Emperor’s New Clothes” features six talented Maui performers: Dale Button as the frilly Emperor; Tom Althouse as Rowan the Swindler; Cameron Sparks as Martin, the swindler’s dim-witted nephew; Kristi Scott as the no-nonsense Lady Hathaway; Yumi Numata as the frazzled Princess Marigold; and Roland K. Harper as the stuff Prime Minster.

The show is directed by Doug Kendrick with musical direction by Marti Kluth. Caro Walker designed the fairy tale scenery, with colorful costumes by Lynda Timm and Kathlleen Schulz and lighting design by Bonnie Prucha.

Opening night is Oct. 15, and the show plays weekends through Oct. 31 on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 1 and 4 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for reserved seats and $10 for floor seating. Kids are encouraged to sit on the padded floor right next to the stage for a true interactive experience.

Call 463-6520 for tickets or more information. ProArts Playhouse is located at Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center at 1280 S. Kihei Road.

Article Photos

The cast includes (from left) Dale Button as the Emperor, Yumi Numata as Princess Marigold and Roland K. Harper as the Prime Minister.